Matt Vensel of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that Pittsburgh Penguins forward Noel Acciari will likely move from center to the wing this season as the Penguins try to squeeze more juice out of the 32-year-old’s game after a disappointing 2023-24 season. Acciari was signed to a three-year $6MM contract in July of 2023 with the expectation that he could center the Penguins’ fourth line, but the results were underwhelming, to say the least.
The Johnston, Rhode Island native dealt with injuries last season and didn’t contribute much offensively with just four goals and three assists in 55 games. He was okay defensively, but his possession numbers were abysmal with a CF% of 40% at even strength. He’s been mentioned as a trade candidate this summer, but it seems unlikely that Pittsburgh could find a taker. A move to the wing could benefit Acciari and allow him to get to his game better in his second year with the Penguins.
In other Penguins notes:
- Matt Vensel also wonders if all of the forwards Pittsburgh brought in this summer might push them to trade Lars Eller. This is hardly the first time that Eller’s name has come up in trade talks this summer, and it doesn’t seem to be quieting as training camp nears. Eller served as the Penguins’ third-line center last year and filled in admirably, particularly given the lack of consistency when it came to his linemates. The 35-year-old posted 15 goals and 16 assists in 82 games and had good possession numbers, despite starting over 70% of his shifts in the defensive zone. While he does hold some value on the trade market, he remains one of Pittsburgh’s best options to dress as a third-line center.
- If the Penguins do move on from Eller, newly acquired forward Kevin Hayes could be his replacement on the third line (as per Matt Vensel). Hayes couldn’t find a consistent role in St. Louis last season and his numbers dipped to a career-low 29 points (13 goals and 16 assists) in 79 games. The 32-year-old is just two years removed from a 54-point season in Philadelphia and could have a bounce-back season if he can carve out a consistent role with the Penguins.
I would trade for Acciari. give the penguins bag of pucks for taking contract.
On behalf of the Pens, I accept your terms
While I understand that Eller is likely the player that has the most value, and the caps savings would be nice, I still think he helps the Pens more by being on the team. At least hold him until the deadline and then flip him if you aren’t in contention.
Penguins need to do something, they have 19 forwards on NHL contracts, which means about 6 of them will be hitting the waiver wire.
Some of them, like Gruden, Jesse P, and Bemstrom will probably make it through waivers without issue, but the youngsters with upside (Poulin, Puustinen, Glass, etc.) will almost be a guarantee to be claimed. Might as well get a couple of late round picks and ship a couple of them off.
I don’t like the thought of Beauvillier, Acciari, Hayes, etc. preventing a guy like Puustinen from playing major minutes and Poulin from making the team.
I am not a fan of Acciari, but I’ll use him as an example of something I do like…
Having 4 centers in the bottom six: a left and right shot on each line.
So, for example, Hayes (L) and Glass (R) on the same line. Or Eller (L) and Acciari (R). Always have the faceoff advantage and a little extra wiggle room for the first guy to be aggressive and risk getting tossed.
I get that, but wouldn’t you rather it be younger guys that have a possible future with the Penguins?
I’d rather guys like Lizotte, Glass, Poulin, etc. be the Centers. I understand all three of them are left shots, but Glass is a R shot. If Acciari is the guy you keep to have the balance you mention, that’s fine, but then trade Eller and/or Hayes and let Glass play Center.
If you have a bottom six of the below you get that same balance:
O’Connor – Glass – Puustinen
Poulin/Lizotte – Lizotte/Hayes/Eller – Acciari (This line would have 3 centers)
If the Penguins are going to get younger, just get younger.
I want Acciari waived. I just used him as an example. But, I guess, yeah, he and Glass are the only R shots.
I thought Eller was OK at the end of the year after a slow start, but only OK.
I haven’t seen anything out of Poulin that says he’s an NHL player. Slow with no stand out traits. I keep hearing he’s really grown but it has yet to show.
I want Acciari let go as well. I think we could find a contender that needs a 4th liner like him and would give up a pick, but the Pens might have to pick up like 25% of his salary the next two years.
I think Eller is still more than fine as a player. His days as an elite 3C are behind him, but he’s still a solid 3C or a very good 4C, so I think the Pens could get a mid round pick out of him.
I’m not necessarily saying it’s Poulin, he’s kind of just my mascot for the younger players. He put up decent numbers in the AHL last year and the organization thought enough of him to bring him back on a 2-year deal. At some point I’d assume he gets a real shot. Might be with another team, though, if we can’t unload some of the vets.